**This petition is calling on the local government for increased fencing and safety measures at the Terrigal Skillion to help prevent and deter vulnerable people from committing suicide at this location. Please read and sign below.**

We need your help. 

For us residents of the Central Coast, we probably all know of at least one person who has taken their life at the Terrigal Skillion; a 150 metre high rock cliff that's not only a prominent tourist attraction, but also a magnet for vulnerable people seeking a way out of their life. One of these people was our very close friend, who at just 21 years old jumped off the skillion and inevitably lost her life. 

Unfortunately, tragedies such as this are not rare for Terrigal Skillion. Our friend was not the first, and she will not be the last person to commit suicide here. While the data is difficult to uncover, there have been at least 8 deaths heres in the past few years.

Terrigal skillion is heavily lacking the proper safety measures that's needed to prevent vulnerable persons from committing suicide. There are two fences that surround the main viewing and lower viewing areas. These are approximately 140cm high – merely high enough to deter a curious person wandering over to the edge, let alone a person determined to end their life. 

When driving on the highway, you have probably noticed overpasses or bridges for safe pedestrian crossings. You may have also noticed just how high the fencing is surrounding them; to prevent people from climbing and jumping onto the highway. The fencing around the skillion is merely one quarter of the height.  Why do we not have the same level of protection on a much higher cliff face, a ‘hotspot’ for suicide, that as already taken so many lives?

Given the amount of fatalities at Terrigal skillion, as well as a significant increase in severe depression and suicide rates, we are calling on the local government to implement a fence of approximately 3.5 to 4 metres high on the lower viewing platform (3 metres below the main one, refer to photo above). Given that this would sit on the lower platform, views would not be disrupted for skillion-goers.

Furthermore, there are already anti-climb fences that are aesthetically designed specifically for this reason. We are only asking for a small change that will make a huge difference and save many lives. 

Please, sign this petition and save lives. Share on social media. Tell your friends and family. We need this to happen. We cannot afford to lose another one loved one to this place.

For more information Dr Myfanwy Webb has a report highlighting the urgency of this matter on her website, here